GMA returns to hospital; Mike cries 'persecution'

ABS-CBN News

Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrives on a wheelchair with her husband Jose Miguel (L) for a flight to Hong Kong at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Paranaque, Metro Manila November 15, 2011. REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) – Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband Mike left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at around 9:35 p.m. after they were not allowed to leave for Singapore via Hong Kong by immigration officials.

Mrs. Arroyo left the airport onboard an ambulance and arrived at St. Luke's Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City around 9:50 p.m.

Arroyo used the hospital’s exit to enter the hospital.

A black Toyota Fortuner was seen following Arroyo’s ambulance after leaving the airport.

Arroyo’s son Congressman Mikey Arroyo was also seen at the hospital.

Arroyo’s husband criticized the Aquino administration for preventing them from leaving the country.

"We were not allowed to leave...This is persecution. Kawawa naman asawa ko, may sakit siya, ganun ang trato nila sa may sakit," the former First Gentleman said.

He said immigration officials told them they were acting on orders of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

Arroyo lawyer Ferdie Topacio said they are considering filing contempt charges against those who stopped the Arroyos from departing, including De Lima.

“Walang galang itong pamahalaang Aquino sa legal process,” he said.

Topacio said Mrs. Arroyo suffered stress from the government's actions.

Atty. Raul Lambino, legal spokesman of Mrs. Arroyo, expressed frustration over the government’s decision to bar the Arroyos from departing the country.